A Meeting in Yaroven

"Well this is new."

Myrddin tilts his head and listens intently to Draevyn Idris.

Myrddin carefully lowers the hood on his Robes of the Magi.

"What in... how did you..."

Myrddin removes an ivory mask inlaid with subtle golden flames.

"You know, I was thinking the same thing this very instant."

"Forgive me, but... that's not normal travel. That mist, the way you just... appeared."

"In truth there is a first time for everything, so we shall share in the confusion."

"Forgive my rudeness. I'm Draevyn Idris. I teach the children here in Yaroven. And you are...?"

"Indeed, apologies on my behalf as well for the intrusion. I am Myrddin D'Ischai, the Seraph of Light from what I can only gather is far away from here... but possible you have heard of it as of late, Targossas?"

"Ah, yes. With the others who came for Father Garron?"

"Indeed, Kalliana was one who had traveled with the group, do you recognize that name?"

"Yes, I'm with them. The child brought me here – her power is remarkable."

"Kalliana! Yes, I've heard the name. She was at the birth, wasn't she? One of the three who helped deliver Janusara."

"She was, yes. That is my daughter."

Myrddin offers Draevyn a warm and welcoming smile.

"The village speaks highly of her. You must be proud. And the others: Reyl and Alyzar, I believe? They showed Nola such kindness in her final moments. Torva has been telling everyone how they honored her sister's dignity."

"I would expect nothing less from those three, but I am pleased with hearing that they did us proud to assist and offer their support for Nola."

"So you came through the same method the child uses? That's fascinating. And concerning."

"In truth, I did not seek to do so, so that is concerning for me as well as until I know exactly where here is or how far her power reaches..."

"I would not want the wrong people here, Targossian's fine, but others from our world I fear would be malicious."

"But let us not sour the mood with fear, let us talk about something that brought me joy."

"I arrived within the Hearth, also known as Targossas, to the Sanctuary of Absolution to find it decorated with joys, blankets, flowers, food, and a lovely child being held by one of the strongest females in Sapience, sleeping."

"Now, there is not much that warms my heart as seeing a child being cared for with such regard. Yet, I do not know much of Janusara."

"That does warm the heart. After what happened to Nola... it's good to know Janusara has found such care."

"I didn't know her mother well; Nola kept to herself mostly, working at the toll bridge. But everyone knew about the pregnancy. The complications."

"You seem like something is bothering you, or something worries you, are you alright Draevyn?"

"I... yes. There are things that trouble me. Things I'm not certain who to trust with."

"Then let me tell you what I represent, and perhaps that will help you."

"All right."

"I am the Seraph of Dawn, I am the mortal voice of Lady Aurora in our world. She is the Lightbringer, the Guardian of Creation and the embodiment of Good. I gained this position not by trickery or falsehoods. I received it by being the person who has guided countless souls to what is Right and Good in our world. I am bound by Candour... or truth, whichever you prefer, and it is my charge to protect all I can from those who try to harm it."

"Now I can not force you to trust me, nor would I expect it, but I can assure you that if your goal is the growth of Janusara, and the protection of the child, then we wish for the same thing."

"Unless of course you think Janusara is going to grow up and destroy all that we know and bring forth Chaos and harm to Creation, then it is possible we may have a more strained relationship."

"Seraph of Dawn. I... forgive me, I had no idea I was speaking with someone of such station."

"In truth, here, I am just Myrddin."

"As for Janusara... I don't know what she'll become. That's part of what frightens me."

"The prophecy Fenlo found speaks of a child who could bring either salvation or destruction. The text is fragmentary, but the implications are... grave."

"I want to believe she's just a child who needs protection. But the power she displayed at birth, the way reality bent around her..."

"She is just a child. Whatever power she has, love and guidance will shape her toward good."

"The prophecy speaks of a choice, not a predetermined fate. What determines whether this child brings salvation or ruin is not the power they're given, but the guidance they receive and the path they choose to walk."

"I want to believe that. I truly do."

"Creation is the fundamental force of bringing forth life, order, and purpose from the void, it is inherently opposed to destruction's nature."

"But you still feel, even if nurtured it will not matter?"

"Love doesn't always overcome power. History is full of well-meaning people who raised monsters without meaning to. Here, and I imagine where you're from, too."

"Forgive me, Seraph. I don't mean to sound defeatist. It's just... when you've spent time documenting inconsistencies, watching people's memories fail them, finding prophecies that shouldn't exist..."

"Do not apologize. You and I have more than likely seen similar things and despite our best efforts felt as though we were helpless."

"The real danger lies not in exposing the child to Creation and the Light, but in leaving them without guidance, vulnerable to the whispers of Chaos or the seductions of Evil. A blade untempered will shatter, a soul untaught will falter."

"I suppose in this instance, our goal is to give Janusara the best possible chance at becoming the salvation and not the destruction."

"If we focus on the what if's, you and I will never come out of.... wherever we are here."

Myrddin glances around a moment, before returning his gaze to Draevyn.

"This is the Compass Market, on the western side of Yaroven."

"Its namesake."

"You're right, of course. Action over anxiety. That's what I should be focusing on."

"So, there are records: construction documents, council meeting notes. Things that don't add up when you compare them to what people remember."

"Am I able to look through these notes?"

"They're kept at the mayor's office, but I have copies of some in my quarters. Notes I've been compiling."

"In time, I could show you what I've gathered. Or arrange introductions to some of the villagers: Brynja, Fenlo, others who've experienced these irregularities."

"Set up the meetings, and I'll review your notes beforehand to prepare."

"However, do not feel obligated to give them to me now. We are also taking notes of what we are seeing and feeling while we care for Janusara."

"Maybe we will have more to present to you all as well."

"Of course, and excellent. I'll arrange everything."

Myrddin smiles softly.

"With only one stipulation."

"That I get to tour this beautiful place, and you all will accept treats my daughter makes."

"You don't have to eat them, but they are fantastic."

"I will certainly inform the Mayor of your request. I have little doubt she will be more than happy to offer you a tour of the place sooner rather than later. She's due back any day now."

"Then I look forward to it. Until then, I will instruct our Guardian's to continue to love and nurture Janusara and to keep vivid notes of what they experience."

"I suppose I'll see you again once the child deems it's time for us to meet. What an odd form of timekeeping we're engaged in."

Myrddin utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

"Children."

"No matter the age."

Myrddin gives a pained sigh, eyes sparkling with amusement.